Replacing countertops, though, is a capital improvement and usually has to be capitalized and depreciated over time.

Time saving in property acquisition, building improvements, purchasing living units, etc.3.

You can refinance sooner than that but you'll need to paper trail all of the improvement costs that lead to the increase in value.

This second property is in a MUCH improved neighborhood, which draws in a better class of tenant, it's professionally managed by a trusted company, and it's structurally sound with recent major improvements.WHAT'S NEXT??

These plans call for six blocks, with buildings totaling 2.5 million mixed-use square feet, and a renovated 14.2 acres of open space with brand-new amenities and improved access.

I wonder if rent control laws will be easing anytime soon in this city - other than capping rent prices, I don't think they do anything to help improve the quality of rentals.

Because significantly less than 100% of your investment actually goes into purchasing or improving the property, and the property is purchased at retail value (or worse), your returns will badly lag any benchmark of direct property investment.  2.

You need to improve the property to improve the tenant.

I haven't spent a ton of money overall on improvements.

See what they do right, and find areas you can improve upon then make the jump.